“It’s a Leader’s Move”: American Grappler Reflects on Gordon Ryan’s Decision to Carry the Torch for Jiu-Jitsu

Gordon Ryan is at the top of his game at just 27 years of age. The jiu-jitsu black belt has accomplished so much at a young age and is already a part of the GOAT conversation. With little left to accomplish in jiu-jitsu, many consider Ryan one of the all-time greats. The American recently announced his decision to continue in his sport as opposed to transitioning to MMA. His decision earned commendations from UFC legend Chael Sonnen, who listed several reasons why Ryan made the right decision to not follow the crossover trend.

A former UFC title challenger, Sonnen runs Submission Underground and is definitely an authority on grappling-based contests. According to the gangster, both Ryan and jiu-jitsu stand to benefit from his decision to stick around.

Chael Sonnen on Gordon Ryan staying in jiu-jitsu

In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen gave an in-depth analysis of the Gordon Ryan-jiu-jitsu situation. “The American gangster” gave the lay of the land and concluded his thought by agreeing with Ryan. He said, “I think that Gordon’s right. I think that jiu-jitsu is stuck with him. I think that jiu-jitsu needs him.”

“The biggest arms in West Linn, Oregon” also wrapped around why jiu-jitsu would be more rewarding for the five-time ADCC world champion. He said,

“I don’t think there’s a jiu-jitsu event on the planet that Gordon can participate in and not be the main event, without even hearing about the card, without even knowing who’s on the card and the rivalries and what this is for. If Gordon Ryan’s present, Gordon Ryan’s going last.”

Sonnen also mentioned how Ryan deserves credit for the decision. He admired Ryan’s choice, saying, “it’s a leader’s move. It’s not a follower’s move. Gordon’s making the right move.”

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In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Ryan revealed the reasons behind his decision to not transition to MMA.

Gordon Ryan on his decision to stay in jiu-jitsu

The 27-year-old revealed to Helwani that famed jiu-jitsu expert and coach, John Danaher, was the reason behind his decision. The star pupil revealed he trusted his master’s advice and foresight in the matter. “I don’t know… John [Danaher] has never been wrong. Our coach has never been wrong about anything. He’s never been wrong,” said Ryan.

Ryan quoted Danaher saying, “‘Absolutely do not go into MMA. You already make a ton of money doing this, you’re considered the greatest of all time already…'” According to Ryan, Danaher, who coached legends like Georges St-Pierre, “always ends up being right”.

The two-time IBJJF no-gi world champion also revealed what Danaher said about the future of jiu-jitsu. He said that Danaher believed jiu-jitsu would become mainstream, allowing the athletes to earn more. “You’re the forefront of that and if you move to MMA now, that could be lost”, Ryan quoted Danaher as saying.

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What are your thoughts on Sonnen’s observations of Ryan? Do you agree with him? And do you think Ryan made the right call? Let us know in the comments below.